Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Lombard, IL: $47.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Lombard, IL runs $47.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,830 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Lombard's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,894 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lombard, Illinois, the hourly pay for physical therapists is projected to be $47.99 in 2026. Although this is just a few dollars below the national median of $50.62, this wage can support various work arrangements typical to the profession. For those working part-time, such as in an outpatient clinic or a skilled nursing facility, earning $47.99 per hour translates well into a respectable income even with a schedule of just three days a week. The broader hourly range in Lombard extends from $35.26 for entry-level positions to as much as $62.37 for top earners, allowing for potential growth within the field. This salary structure highlights the significant earning potential available not just for full-time employees but also for per-diem therapists working in settings like sports performance centers and home health.
About the Lombard Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.26 | $282.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.03 | $336.23 |
| Median (P50) | $47.99 | $383.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.64 | $453.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.37 | $498.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lombard
Based on $47.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.99/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lombard, IL can expect to earn approximately $99,824 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,591. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lombard.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lombard
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,919.69 | $8,319 | $99,824 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,151.81 | $4,991 | $59,894 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $767.88 | $3,327 | $39,930 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Lombard) | $47.99 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Lombard, IL earn a median of $99,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.18% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.10% below the Illinois state average of $103,024.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.99/hr = $59,894/year (purchasing power: $61,683).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,824/year (purchasing power: $102,805).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Lombard grew 14.9% from $40.77/hr (2019) to $46.84/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.17/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lombard metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Lombard
Considering part-time work, a physical therapist in Lombard working 24 hours a week would earn approximately $37,291 annually, which reflects a viable option for those looking to balance personal commitments with a fulfilling career. Meanwhile, the realities of per-diem and agency work demonstrate even greater earning possibilities. Per-diem physical therapists can typically command rates between $50 and $75 per hour, while travel contracts offer between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly. For those specializing in cash-pay models, particularly in higher cost-of-living markets, billing rates can reach entre $150 and $250 per hour. Different employer types also affect hourly pay; outpatient orthopedic clinics may pay less upfront compared to hospital systems, but often offer additional benefits like health insurance and productivity bonuses. Therapists in Lombard should consider these trade-offs when negotiating their compensation and evaluate the overall value of their employment packages instead of focusing solely on hourly rates.
More salary data for Lombard, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Lombard in 2026?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Lombard. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lombard is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov